Local group hailed as world’s best Catholic pop band
by Amber Foreman, reporter

    Crispin, a local group, is the number one Catholic pop band in the world. Named after Saint Crispin, a martyr and patron saint of shoemakers in 283 A.D., the band performs upbeat Catholic music.
    Lead singer Daniel DiSilva describes the band’s music as a Dave Matthews, James Taylor and Paul Simon collaboration. Their music has been compared to Jars of Clay’s first album. St. Crispin inspires Christians to take the gospel of Jesus Christ to others through their works, so the band took his teachings as its mission.
Responding to the call of Pope John Paul II to act with boldness and understanding for spreading love, Crispin uses quotes from Pope John Paul II to show how they feel about music.

    According to Pope John Paul, “Music is a universal language, capable of raising deep emotions and transmitting noble sentiments, of creating a state of mind similar to the fervor of the artist. Humanity needs the beauty of music, which interprets the spirits, relaxes the soul, raises the sensibility and helps to lift our gaze with sentiment of joy.”

    The group released its new CD, PSALMBA, in October 2000. Its first CD, Cobblestone, was released in May 1999.

    Crispin members have come from diverse corners of the world. The seven members of the band, ages 28-43, describe their music as a jazz/funk twist and rock. DiSilva, also Crispin’s artistic director, has created “divinely funky” music and innovative lyrics that bring energetic performances and talented musicians to the Catholic music scene. PSALMBA has percussion, mellow music and harder music all combined on one CD.

    Although the band does not reach out to certain age groups, its audience is mainly young adults. It obviously has a Catholic influence. This up-and-coming band has had success without all the preceding hype.

    Only two years in operation, the band recently finished two tours that included venues in the Northeast United States, the Eastern seaboard and Canada after their landmark performance at World Youth Day in Rome.

    Crispin offers four options for booking concerts. The first selection is Crispin Full Impact, a high level evangelizing energy designed for large groups. This show requires a full scale PA system. The Crispin Vibe offers a more intimate musical texture that does not lose the full gospel message or musical quality of the show. This option allows groups to bring Crispin before any size audience. Crispin Unplugged is another option recommended for smaller, more intimate settings. DiSilva also travels solo and can be booked as The Big-Fisherman’s Café, which allows him to talk intimately to audiences and play a more personal message.

    To contact the band, find out more information or purchase a CD, visit www.crispinmusic.org or call 817-498-4942.